When my husband was seconded to Canada for work, travelling with our three Maltese dogs wasn’t just a preference—it was essential. We were able to fly to Canada with our dogs safely in the aircraft cabin, but returning home to the UK under the same conditions wasn't possible.
As I researched the rules, I discovered that healthy, fully compliant pets already travel safely in aircraft cabins across much of the world, yet are still required to arrive in Great Britain as manifest cargo.
That discovery led me to begin researching the issue in-depth, submitting Freedom of Information requests, meeting with Members of Parliament, and ongoing engaging with airlines and industry representatives.
Pet Travel Reform UK was created to advocate for a practical, evidence-based solution that protects the UK’s world-leading biosecurity while allowing compliant pet dogs and cats to travel safely in the aircraft cabin on approved routes.
We believe biosecurity and animal welfare can work together—and that responsible pet owners should not have to choose between protecting their pets and returning home.
Today, Pet Travel Reform UK continues to work with government, industry and pet owners to achieve a practical, evidence-based solution that protects biosecurity while keeping families together.
